Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
1378. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students in primary and post primary, schools in County Meath that have been approved assistive technology, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25261/26]
View answer1379. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications her Department has received for assistive technology for students in primary, and post primary schools, in County Meath, for the years 2020 to 2025 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25262/26]
View answer1380. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications for assistive technology in County Meath that have been refused for the years 2020 to 2025, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25263/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1378, 1379 and 1380 together.
Under the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to the department where assistive technology/ specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within the department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
To qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential to allow the student to access the curriculum.
Schools make applications directly to their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
SENOs will review the application and supporting professional reports to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my department as to whether the assistive technology is required or not. Based on this recommendation, my department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
Where assistive technology is not recommended, this decision is communicated to the school. It is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/237c68-assistive-technology-grant/. Any such appeal will be dealt with as a priority by my department. Separately, where an appeal has been unsuccessful, but new information becomes available, it is open to the school to submit a new application to the SENO for consideration.
The following table outlines the level of applications for assistive technology that my department has received from schools in County Meath for the years 2020 to 2025:
|
Year |
Primary Approved |
Primary Refused |
Post Primary Approved |
Post Primary Refused |
Total |
|
2020 |
78 |
25 |
43 |
31 |
177 |
|
2021 |
120 |
49 |
69 |
28 |
266 |
|
2022 |
142 |
73 |
84 |
44 |
343 |
|
2023 |
191 |
87 |
83 |
19 |
380 |
|
2024 |
194 |
119 |
116 |
56 |
485 |
|
2025 |
234 |
61 |
108 |
31 |
434 |
